Sri Vaishnavism

What are the main scriptures followed in Sri Vaishnavism?

Sri Vaishnavism is a Hindu sect that follows the teachings of Ramanuja, a 12th-century philosopher and theologian. It is a devotional tradition that centers around the worship of Lord Vishnu, the preserver and sustainer of the universe. The main scriptures followed in Sri Vaishnavism are the Vedas, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Divya Prabandham.

The Vedas are the most ancient and sacred texts of Hinduism and are considered to be the ultimate authority in Sri Vaishnavism. They contain hymns, prayers, and rituals that are dedicated to various deities, including Lord Vishnu. The Sri Vaishnava tradition places a strong emphasis on the Vedas and considers them to be the source of all knowledge and wisdom.

The Bhagavad Gita, which is a part of the epic Mahabharata, is another important scripture in Sri Vaishnavism. It is a dialogue between Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and his disciple Arjuna. The Gita expounds on the concept of dharma, or duty, and emphasizes the importance of devotion to God as the path to liberation. It is considered to be a practical guide for leading a righteous and spiritual life.

The Divya Prabandham, also known as the Tamil Veda, is a collection of 4,000 hymns composed by the 12 Alvars, or saint-poets, of Sri Vaishnavism. These hymns are considered to be the outpourings of the Alvars' intense devotion to Lord Vishnu and are an integral part of the daily worship in Sri Vaishnava temples. The Divya Prabandham is divided into four parts, and each part is considered to be a Veda in itself.

Apart from these three main scriptures, Sri Vaishnavism also places a strong emphasis on the teachings of Ramanuja. His commentary on the Brahma Sutras, known as the Sri Bhashya, is considered to be a key text in understanding the philosophy of Sri Vaishnavism. It expounds on the concept of Vishishtadvaita, which means qualified non-dualism, and emphasizes the idea of surrendering to Lord Vishnu with love and devotion.

In conclusion, the Vedas, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Divya Prabandham, along with the teachings of Ramanuja, form the basis of Sri Vaishnavism. These scriptures guide the followers of this tradition in their devotion to Lord Vishnu and help them lead a life of righteousness and spiritual fulfillment.